Roxy Ballroom has given itself a big upgrade, bringing some never-before-seen games to Merrion Street as part of a recent overhaul.
There's a host of new games to play here following a huge overhaul merging Roxy Ballroom with its former sister venue, Roxy Arcade.
The basement space has been completely refitted to turn the venue into a massive gamer's paradise, with games now spread over three floors.
New gaming additions include an amazing crazy pool course bathed in UV light.
Here, you'll need to navigate a host of obstacles to make your hole in one (or seven). It's kind of like mini-golf in that you get nine holes, but instead of a putter, you're using a pool cue around pool tables.
They've also introduced a new game called duckpin bowling - a shorter version of the popular tenpin, combined with skittles.
Roxy Ballroom
And we've got to talk about Bank Shot Shuffleboard. Using a board that loops back on itself, Roxy's twisted the much-loved game to make it more challenging to get your puck into the scoring zones.
On top of all this, there's also new ping pong, beer pong, American pool tables - so If you've got a competitive streak, this will be up your street for sure.
Speaking on the refurb, Roxy brand development manager Joel Mitchell said: “We are all extremely excited about taking our Merrion Street venue to another level."
"I’m confident the people of Leeds are going to love our new-look, supersized venue when it finally reopens, and I know jaws will drop when they check out the new basement bar and see the massive selection of gaming that is now on offer.”
Roxy Ballroom on Merrion Street is open on Merrion Street 3pm-1m Sunday to Thursday, 3pm-4am Friday and 12pm-4am Saturday.
Leeds
Big name restaurant closes Leeds city centre site after seven years
A popular restaurant chain has closed permanently in Leeds city centre.
Popular pizzeria Franco Manca has closed its Leeds restaurant.
The chain was famed for its relaxed atmosphere, quick service and affordable sourdough Neapolitan pizzas that were on offer for as little as a fiver.
The chain occupied the site on the outskirts of Trinity Shopping Centre on Trinity Street, next door to Itsu and overlooking the back entrance of Marks and Spencer.
Hoardings have now gone up, signifying the site is now empty and Franco Manca has permanently closed.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
This can also be seen on Google when searching for the restaurant branch.
It was announced earlier this year that a number of Franco Manca's restaurants would be closing across the country.
This was down to a reconstructing plan approved by creditors for the chain. The brand said it had been knocked by “disproportionately high” UK taxes and a lack of business rates relief for hospitality.
Marcel Khan, chief executive of parent firm Fulham Shore, said at the time: “We are grateful for the support shown by our creditors today.
“Franco Manca is a fantastic brand with a strong heritage and loyal customer base. With this agreement in place, we will put the business back on a firm footing and press ahead with strengthening our customer offer and performance.”
The Leeds brand was not included in the initial list of restaurant closing, but it seems further closures were made.
Miami-inspired Leeds bodega to open second site in Horsforth following huge success of first
Clementine Hall
A sandwich shop in Leeds is expanding to the suburbs.
Famed for it’s toasted Cuban sandwiches, stacked subs and loaded breakfast bagels - Alfonsos Deli has made a name for itself for serving some of the best sandwiches around the city.
Such a good reputation in fact, that they’ve just announced a second location over in the leafy suburb of Horsforth. Get in.
Currently, you'll find Alfonso's in the Grand Arcade where their light-filled and airy space is slinging out sandwiches non-stop until sell-out.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
It's not just sandwiches, though. They're also serving up fantastic Cuban coffee, beer and even Cuban cigars.
Basically, it's everything you'd expect to find in a deli in Miami.
The team shared the news of the expansion on social media, confirming that a brand-new Horsforth site is on the way.
While an official opening date is yet to be revealed, the announcement has already sparked plenty of excitement among loyal customers, many of whom have been calling for a second location since the deli first opened.
Alfonso's has built a devoted following in Leeds, with its signature Cubano sandwich becoming a firm favourite, while its breakfast bagels draw queues of hungover punters through the doors.
The move to Horsforth marks the next chapter for the independent business, bringing its popular menu to a whole new neighbourhood. And they're in fantastic company too, in a suburb that is flourishing with independent local businesses.
If the success of the Grand Arcade site is anything to go by, the new deli is likely to be just as busy from day one. More details, including an opening date and the full menu, are expected to be announced in the coming weeks.
Good luck to the team, we can't wait to check it out.
Georgina Pellant -
28th May 2021 
